Hardwood Floors April/May 2019

AT THE SITE Maintaining Your Equipment for Optimal Performance (Continued)

THE MOST SERIOUS PROBLEMS CAN BE AVOIDED BY FOLLOWING SOME SIMPLE RULES:

1. Keep it clean. Take the time to keep the machine clean inside and out. A clean machine will run cooler and longer as well as make a be er impression on your clients. 2. Check parts that get a lot of wear o en. Bearings, rollers, drums, and belts get a lot of wear and tear. Be sure to replace any questionable parts before they become a problem. 3. Stay balanced. Check from time to time to make sure the drum is hi ing the oor evenly, not canted to one side. Read the manufacturer’s instructions on how to make adjustments – like drum pressure and se ing the tracking. Use a sharp scraper to remove any debris from the truck wheels and back wheels. 4. Employ a pro. If you can, bring the machine into a reputable shop that specializes in oor sanding equipment for an annual checkup. 5. Use qualitymaterials. Poorly engineered sandpaper can cause vibrations, run hot, and not last nearly as long as quality, well-engineered sandpaper. It also will lose grain more easily, causing premature wear onmoving parts including the vacuum fan, bearings, andmore. e seams on sanding belts are also critical. Quality belts will have a seam that will not cause marks on the oor, create vibration, or come apart. e adage that “you get what you pay for” is true. No manufacturer is going to stay in business by degrading the quality of its product intentionally. While issues do happen, we strive to continue to be responsive and listen to our customers with a mindset of cooperation and problem solving. So keep that equipment well maintained, stay in touch, and happy oor sanding. Bob Goldstein is in Technical Services, Training & Sales, at Norton Abrasives/ Vermont Natural Coatings based in Hardwick, Vermont. He can be reached at bgoldstein@vermontnaturalcoatings.com.

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